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British-Muslim delegation returns from Lebanon

Dr Phyllis Starkey MP in south Lebanon (United for Lebanon/The August Lebanon Project)

A British-Muslim delegation under the broad heading ‘United for Lebanon’ returned to London on Saturday, 26 August 2006, following a fact-finding visit to Lebanon. The group, which included Dr Phyllis Starkey MP and which was supported by a diverse group of Muslim organizations and charities, including the Muslim Council of Britain, Al-Khoei Foundation, the Muslim Association of Britain, Interpal, and the British Muslim Forum, looked at the extent of devastation and internal displacement following the recent ceasefire in the region.

The team assessed, in particular, the extent of destruction and displacement following heavy Israeli bombardment, especially of the southern suburbs of Beirut and towns and villages in the south. They also identified areas of urgent humanitarian need following meetings with officials. The team will report their findings to the British Houses of Parliament, the European Parliament, and the United Nations, as well as to the international media and the European and American public.

According to Dr Starkey, “The opportunity to talk to a wide variety of groups [was] particularly valuable in assessing the political temperature in Lebanon and the way the British Government can be most helpful in supporting the Lebanese people and their Government.”

Destruction in south Beirut (United for Lebanon/The August Lebanon Project)

Kurshid Ahmed in Khiam (United for Lebanon/The August Lebanon Project)

The team travelled to selected locations throughout the country, including Beirut, Sidon, Nabatiyeh and Khiam. Among the senior officials they met with were President Emile Lahoud; Foreign Minister Fawzi Khalloul; former minister and representative of the Speaker of Parliament, Yasin Jabar MP; Sunni Grand Mufti Shaykh Muhammad Rashid Kabbani; Deputy Chairman of the Shi’a Higher Council, Shaykh Abed al-Amir Qabalan; and Britain’s ambassador, James Watt.

The delegation saw first-hand the extent of the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and concluded, among other things, that it is absolutely essential that the Israeli air, land and sea blockade is lifted immediately as this is not only preventing urgent humanitarian supplies reaching the vulnerable populations but is crippling Lebanon economically. Military strikes on Lebanon’s civilian infrastructure have adversely affected ports, grain silos, bridges, roads, and factories. Widespread damage to fuel containers and service stations has, moreover, raised the likelihood of severe fuel shortages. A continuation of the blockade can only lead to political instability and further destruction of the fragile social infrastructure. The delegation calls on the international community to force the immediate lifting of this disastrous blockade which blatantly contravenes UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Meeting with Shi’a Higher council (United for Lebanon/The August Lebanon Project)

Essential humanitarian supplies that need to get through to vulnerable populations, including women and children, includes shelter equipment (tenting and other materials), fuel items (many petrol stations are currently inoperable), school supplies (there are thousands of displaced children), food, medical equipment, cleaning supplies (sanitary conditions in many places are dire), and essential items for infants and smaller children. Entire villages, including schools, hospitals and clinics, have been destroyed and the fishing economy in particular has been hard hit by the destruction.

In condemning the disproportionality of Israeli air-strikes on civilian infrastructures in Lebanon and calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade, the delegation emphasizes that there should be no restrictions or prohibitions on the movement of international personnel, including humanitarian and medical personnel, monitors and journalists. Moreover, the task of reconstruction of physical and institutional damage to infrastructure should begin immediately with international assistance.

The delegation believes that the continuing situation in Palestine also needs to be monitored closely in relation to Lebanon and urges the British Government to admonish Israel for its disproportionate bombardment of the country, particularly the destruction of civilian infrastructures.

Finally, the delegation was both impressed and humbled by the clear resolve of the people of Lebanon to rebuild their country in the aftermath of the devastation, and in particular recognizes the overwhelming sense of solidarity and cohesion across the diverse spectrum of Lebanese society, all of whom have been affected by the conflict and who stand in unity in the aftermath of such awesome destructiveness. The delegation therefore expressed its sympathies with all the people of Lebanon as well as the frustration of many people in Britain and elsewhere who wish to help alleviate, in constructive ways, any further suffering.